Public Awareness And Knowledge Of Factors Associated With Myopia In Kisumu County, Western Kenya

Abstract

Background: Myopia is a global public health priority. Many modifiable and non modifiable risk factors have been shown to influence the development of myopia, but these factors are not adequately known by the general public. This study assessed public awareness of the factors that are associated with myopia among the general population in Kisumu County, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to February 2020 using an Internet-based questionnaire. We collected basic socio demographic characteristics and investigated participants’ knowledge of risk and protective factors that are associated with myopia. The primary outcome measures were the proportions of participants who identified each option as a risk factor. Logistic regression analysis was performed to compare levels of the knowledge of factors that are associated with myopia across populations with different demographic characteristics. Results: Data from a total of 3,000 respondents were analyzed. The percentages of participants who accurately identified myopia risk factors were the following: 84.24% for genetics, 65.07% for reading and close up work, 56.68% for environmental conditions, 48.74% for visual stress, and 42.66% for diabetes. The percentages of participants who accurately identified myopia corrections were as follows: 90.00% for corrective lenses, 84.69% for corneal refractive surgery and 80.92% for refractive surgery. The majority of Kisumu residents correctly recognized the role of lifestyle factors in the development of myopia but not genetic factors. Levels of knowledge of the factors that are associated with myopia were significantly distinct across populations with different characteristics. The following socio demographic characteristics were associated with more comprehensive knowledge of myopia risk and corrective measures: women, young age, high education levels, white- collar jobs, and history of myopia in a family. Conclusions: Public awareness and knowledge of risk and corrective measures for myopia in Kisumu is still insufficient. More efforts are needed to publicize information about myopia to reduce risk and prevent myopia

Demographic factors associated with myopia knowledge, attitude and preventive practices among adults in Ghana: a population-based cross-sectional survey

“…Considering the ease with which young people can access various information sources including social media and other internet-based platforms, it is not surprising that young people demonstrated better knowledge of myopia compared with the older people in this study. Similar to our findings, Muma and Oboyo [ 20 ] reported that younger age was significantly associated with knowledge of myopia risk factors and corrective measures [ 20 ]. Another study in Kenya found similar results indicating that myopia knowledge scores decreased with an increase in the age of the participants [ 20 ].…”

“…Similar to our findings, Muma and Oboyo [ 20 ] reported that younger age was significantly associated with knowledge of myopia risk factors and corrective measures [ 20 ]. Another study in Kenya found similar results indicating that myopia knowledge scores decreased with an increase in the age of the participants [ 20 ]. The current findings are in contrast with a KAP study from Ethiopia [ 28 ] which reported that awareness and knowledge of refractive errors increase with age.…”

“…This finding implies that demographic factors are key indicators to be considered when developing any myopia awareness tool. Similar results have been reported in other studies [ 20 ], with some also showing contrasting results where no association was found between participants’ demographics and their decision to seek ortho-k or daily-wear soft contact lenses [ 14 ].…”

“…However, these studies measured awareness in persons with refractive error. Similar studies in Singapore [ 24 ], India [ 25 ], Pakistan [ 26 ] and Kenya [ 20 ] have shown that awareness does not necessarily translate to knowledge about myopia or its complications, as demonstrated in a study by Almujalli et al [ 23 ]. In this study, over a quarter of the participants who were aware of myopia still showed low knowledge of myopia.…”